Haridwar is preparing to host the big Ardh Kumbh Mela in 2027, and the Uttarakhand government has introduced a massive 108 crore rejuvenation plan of the most holy place in this city, Har Ki Pauri. The project is meant to enhance infrastructure, facilitate safety and facilities of the millions of devotees who are likely to flock to the holy Ganga Ghat during the mega religious event.
Ardh Kumbh, which is conducted every six years, attracts one of the biggest human crowds in the world. In the year 2027, Haridwar is also anticipating an unparalleled number of pilgrims, both domestic and international, who will come to take the ritual holy dip into the Ganges and attend religious ceremonies and the popular Ganga aarti at Har Ki Pauri.
The officials said that the 108 crore project will aim at beautifying as well as making the site functional to guarantee the visitors have a more hassle-free and secure experience. The major projects are the reinforcing and mending of ghat steps, widening and relaying of walking tracks, as well as the development of improved access points to control the movement of crowds during the most eventful bathing days.
The installation of modern lighting along the riverfront to enhance visibility and security at night activities is also contained in the plan. Improved sanitation facilities, such as improved toilets and drinking water points, will also be developed to ensure that the standards of hygiene are maintained during the period of the festival. The proposal will also include seating spaces, shaded rest areas, and better signage to support elderly and differently-abled devotees.
The project has safety and crowd management as its focus. The government is coming up with structured access and exit points, bathing sites, and emergency management centres near Har Ki Pauri to reduce the possibility of congestion and to also be able to access medical attention quickly once there is any emergency.
The revitalisation effort is one of several master plans to redevelop the civic and transport infrastructure in Haridwar in the run-up to Ardh Kumbh 2027. Parallel projects are the expansion of roads, lighting up major approach roads, and the redevelopment of the Haridwar railway station to cater to the increased passenger traffic during the event.
The move has been embraced by local residents and religious leaders who are hoping that, besides serving the pilgrims during the festival, the city will also be left with permanent infrastructure. According to the urban planners, the organized and enhanced riverfront can promote tourism and other normal civic activities in Haridwar.
Although the festival is still close to two years away, the authorities have stressed the timely completion and close observation of the projects. With the gearing up efforts, the transformation of Har Ki Pauri will be carried out in such a manner that it will interlace religious legacy with modern infrastructure and provide a lifelong experience to millions of pilgrims in Ardh Kumbh 2027.
